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Sunday, July 31, 2011

Hey guys! Here's where I need your help. I have 6 extra copies of books just sitting here in need of new homes. I've decided that once I reach 100 lovely followers, I'm going to hold my very first giveaway. Would any of you be interested in them? If you'd like, you can spread the word or you can just wait for me to gain the followers I need, which may take a little longer.

I do need your help with choosing which one to giveaway first, though. Please leave a comment telling me which one you'd want most!

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the amazing Kristi @ The Story Siren!

The days have gone by sooo slowly. Almost two more weeks until I meet my boyfriend of one year for the first time. Sounds weird, right? Well, I'm excited. :)
Here are the books I've received in the mail this week!

Look familiar? Yes, they were on last week's IMM! I woke up one day to find another package with them inside...Accidents happen, I suppose. If you're a follower, you're in luck! I'll be posting about the upcoming giveaways shortly! :D

A big thanks to everyone that has sent me books so far! Also, a huge thanks to those of you that stop by the blog. I know there's not much going on right now but I have some plans for the future! :)

Quick question: Do you read manga? What would you recommend? I used to read it a lot when I was in middle school but I grew out of it a little. I'd like to dive back in. My favorites were always Chobits and Love Hina. What about Anime?

Thanks again! Leave the link to your IMM in the comments so I can check it out.

Goodreads Summary:Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker—his classmate and crush—who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he’ll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay’s dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

My Thoughts:This book has managed to jump to the top of my favorites list (...you know, next to The Perks of Being a Wallflower, of course). Not only does it include the point of view of a boy who has lost someone special to him, it includes the girl's point of view as well. If an author is strong enough to write from various POVs, I have an instant respect for them. Jay Asher, here's to you.

After having read this book, it makes me realize how much we're capable of. By "we", I mean everyone. We may not necessarily see what we do or don't do that make a huge impact on the lives of others. That being said, we can easily become the Clay in this story. Some people don't necessarily think that their words or actions can harm others, but many people know- from experience- that they do. When I think about all the lives that have ended over something that everyone thought was minuscule, it breaks my heart. Just 4 years ago, I was heading down the same path as Hannah. Thankfully, I found the strength to carry on. Unfortunately, thousands of teenagers don't have the strength or they don't have someone to show them they care. High school is a really tough time. It was for me and I know it is for many others. After a while, it seemed that everything was getting worse. It took 6 deaths, a breakup, and the loss of many friends before it even began to get better. I promise, though, it does get better.

The book is essentially about a snowball effect. It can start anywhere. At first it's nothing, but eventually it gains speed and strength until it breaks you to pieces. This is exactly what happened to Hannah. In the story, the thirteen reasons actually relate to different people. The tapes are then sent to each person so they will know and finally understand the destruction they're capable of. It's interesting because when someone passes away, many people are usually left with many unanswered questions. At the start of this story, Clay doesn't know anything about her death. I feel that he also believes that she didn't really have a reason to put an end to her life. By the end, everything- even the things that had nothing to do with him- seemed to be overwhelming. He wished that he'd never been included in these tapes.

I will recommend this story to everyone- male or female, young or old. You never know, the message may just save a life. Please spread the word.
Go to www.13rwproject.com for more information.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren.

I'm back for another IMM! I know I haven't been posting on the blog much other than IMMs but that's because I'm lazy. I'm just going to be honest here. Hahaha. Plus I've been doing a lot more housework in order to get it ready for my boyfriend's 3-month-long visit. Three more weeks! It's official and I still can't believe it!

Alright, I know you all don't stop by to hear my jabber, so I'll show you the books I got (and three books I forgot to show you from two weeks back. Oops!)

From Random Buzzers

-Banished by Sophie Littlefield
This was on my list but for some reason, I can never remember what it's about. If I'm honest, I'm going to say that the only reason I wanted it was because Lara Jade, a photographer that originally inspired me to take pictures, did the cover for this book and several others you may be familiar with. Here is a link to her facebook page. By the way, that's her on the cover! :D

The funny thing is that she chose this book out of the hundreds I have on my wishlist and I just bought a copy a few days before she sent it as a surprise! That'll teach me to update my wishlist faster! :P Maybe I'll do a giveaway? Save it in case one copy gets ruined? What do you guys think?

-Derby Girl by Shauna Cross
I'm a little odd and I kinda love the idea of being a part of slightly unusual hobbies, such as roller derby and burlesque dancing. Unfortunately, I don't have the confidence to dance and the last time I tried to skate, I broke my ankle. Trust me, I'm never putting them on again. Are there any fiction books on burlesque? That would be neat.

-The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell
I haven't seen many good reviews on this book but I'm really excited. I just got into Sex and the City a few months back and watched all the seasons and movies at once so I'm curious to see what this will be like.

-Hate List by Jennifer Brown
I have a weird obsession with movies about school shootings because I feel that they hold such a powerful message, so I am extremely excited to read this book. I have a feeling it'll shoot (excuse me) right up to my list of favorites. What other tragic reads like this would you recommend?

Alright, phew! That is all for this week. I've posted some questions in bold, so if you would kindly answer them in the comment section, I would appreciate it. Also, go ahead and vote on the poll located on the right side of the blog. It'll only be open for a few more days but it looks like I'll be reading The Hunger Games next.

Leave the links to your IMM so I can check out what great reads you've been able to get your paws on!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Man, have I been slacking on reading. The last book I've finished was Thirteen Reasons Why and I LOVED it. There should be a review of it soon. It's definitely a new favorite.
Now, this week I had a rather difficult time choosing what book to read next. I posted a poll on the side of my blog (which didn't help because no one voted) and decided that I was feeling in a Pretty Little Liars mood. Some serious business happened in the last one so I was eager to see what things we'll dig up in the 6th book, Killer by Sara Shepard.

It's been a while since I've posted a Teaser Tuesday, so let me refresh your memory. I post not one, but two teasers. I'm a rule-breaker. A bad girl. Okay, okay, I'm not...but I think two teasers are more fun.

Teaser one is from page 196"Hanna ran up to the Ali shrine, which was still assembled at the curb. A few of the candles had been replaced, and one was lit, dancing in the wind. There are a few hand-lettered sings on poster board that said things like 'WE'LL FIND HIM, ALI'."

and teaser two comes from page 309"Spencer's vision narrowed. She thought about the figure in the woods last night, scrambling for something in the dirt. Maybe there was something out there, some kind of proof."

I really recommend this series if you like being kept on your toes. Most people are afraid that because they like the show they may not like the books, but honestly, the books are like a completely different- but captivating- story.

Thanks for stopping by! Leave the links to your Teaser Tuesdays in the comments so I can swing by. If you want, please go vote on the poll on the right side of my blog in order to help me choose what to read next.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Hey guys! First of all, I wanted to say that I don't have a reason for not posting a single thing (other than this, of course) on my blog this week. Forgive me, I'm not reading constantly. On the other hand, I'm currently reading Thirteen Reasons Why and I love it. I believe that this may have been the first spectacular week I've had this summer. Not that I've been too busy. Monday my boyfriend found out that he got the visa, which means that he's coming to the US to visit me in almost 3 weeks. Tuesday and Wednesday I cleaned to pass the time and Thursday was Harry Potter! These days have been going so slow. I think it's because I just want it to be August already. Anyways, I'll get on with what you came here for.

My week was pretty lame when it came to receiving books in the mail. Compared to last week's IMM, I don't think future IMM posts will stand a chance.

Have I ever told you that I'm a huge fan of Pretty Little Liars? As you should know, like Sara's Pretty Little Liars series, The Lying Game is being turned into a show on ABC Family as well. If it's anything like PLL, I'm pretty sure that I'm going to get addicted.

That's it for this week! Thanks for stopping by and please leave the link to your IMM in the comments so I can ogle your books! ;)

P.S. does anyone else just begin to notice the covers of their books when they're typing up their blog posts? For example, I thought that the cover of The Iron Witch was just an arm, but it's a girl covering her head...Is it just me? It's happened quite a few times already!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely Kristi @ The Story Siren.

Holy cow! You guys will never believe it. I received a total of 21 books in the mail this week! I know, I know, I'm as shocked as you are. Monday I checked the back door, where the UPS man usually puts my boxes. When there were none there, I admit that I was quite disappointed, but as soon as I opened up my front door, two smaller packages fell onto my floor. I opened them excitedly and found a book in one and a bunch of signed swag in the other. Then I thought "alright, now to check the lame mail." But it wasn't lame at all! There were two more packages stuffed in my mailbox and when I turned around to go back into the house, I tripped over a BOX of books. I wonder what my mailman thinks...

Monday: 13 books

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: nothing

Friday: 2 books were accidentally delivered to the wrong house. I got them at night.

Saturday: 6 books

I was thinking that I would try and do my first IMM vlog but honestly, I'm too nervous to. Plus Saturday I was at the Renaissance Faire all day with friends, so I didn't have much time to do one. Maybe one of these days...

Alright, alright...I'll stop talking and show you the stuff I got!

But first...here's a picture of a faerie from the Faire!

(please click on the photo for the best quality)

The awesome thing about her is that she is also the girl that played Clary in the book trailer for City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare! I figured you guys would get excited over that. :D

It took me forever to get to it, but here are the books I received this week.

This is officially the longest IMM in The Hollow Cupboards history...not that this blog has been around that long...but still! Thank you to those who read every single word, those who just looked at the pictures, and even those of you who saw my post and said "there's no way I'm scrolling through all of that".

Please leave a link to your IMM so I can see the books you got this week!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Hey, guys! Here's my first Follow Friday hosted by Parajunkee.
I'm sure all of you have caught on by now, but if you didn't know,
Follow Friday is a weekly blog hop...
I hope I'm doing this right! :P

This weeks question is...

Q. Let's step away from besties...What is the worst book that you've ever read and actually finished?

When it comes to my own will, I can honestly say that I've never continued reading a book I absolutely did not like. When it came to being forced to read books for high school, Their Eyes Were Watching God was the worst.

Thanks for stopping by! Leave a comment linking to your Follow Friday post or simply tell me which book you loathe!

Goodreads Summary:Sara and Tobey couldn't be more different. She is focused on getting into her first-choice college; he wants to win Battle of the Bands. Sara's other goal is to find true love, so when Dave, a popular jock, asks her out, she's thrilled. But then there's Tobey. His amazing blue eyes and quirky wit always creep into her thoughts. It just so happens that one of Tobey's goals is also to make Sara fall in love with him. Told in alternating points of view, Sara and Tobey's real connection will have everyone rooting for them from the minute they meet!

My Thoughts:I bought this book on a whim; especially when the cover drew me in. The summary didn't sound too extraordinary, and when I first cracked it open and read a few teaser sentences, I started to regret my decision to get this. By the end, the entire story just filled me with joy. Don't worry, though-- it didn't take me that long to get sucked in. That happened almost instantly.

Who else loves when a story jumps from one perspective to another? I know I do. First you read about Sara's life. Sara is intelligent, artistic, and not considered to be a part of the popular crowd (although she's been eyeing Dave since last year). Dave is the guy that everyone wants- popular, handsome, outgoing. When Dave asks her out, her entire world is turned upside down. She becomes popular by association...but is Dave really what she wanted out of a boyfriend?

Then you're introduced to Tobey. He's the slacker you see in the back of class. The rocker with dark hair and violet colored eyes. He's been lusting for Sara for quite some time and can barely take it anymore. That's why he and his band mates come up with a plan to get her to notice him. Although she's taken by a total jerk, Tobey thinks that she may be "the one".

If you couldn't have guessed by now, (SPOILER!!!) Sara falls for Tobey's charm. They feel a connection instantly. Both of them even dunk their onion rings in mustard. Wow, that's love. It turns out that Tobey is everything that Dave wasn't (in the best ways possible). Wait...What happens with Dave? Does Tobey's band win the Battle of the Bands? What paths are the characters headed down after high school ends? Well, my friend, you'll just have to read the book to find out. Sure, it was a little cheesy and predictable at times...but I love cheese! Well...if it's the right kind at least. And trust me, this was definitely the right kind. Honestly, if you're a fan of those classic teen 80's movies (John Hughes, especially) you'll love this book.

These are moments that every girl knows . . . for they are part of growing up, of uncaging yourself, from your childhood, your environment, your view of yourself. Francesca Lia Block follows the journey from girlhood to womanhood in this three-part poetry collection that channels girls' innermost feelings and experiences and celebrates women everywhere. It is a call to embrace the girl within, to heal her and set her free.

My Thoughts:First off, I want to thank Joli for sending me this book for the July RAK. I got it in the mail, sat down, and read it as soon as my hands touched it. How to (Un)cage a Girl is beautiful, tragic, and inspiring- as is most of Block's work. I'm a huge fan, so I'm always happy to find others that enjoy her books too.

The first few poems focus on a teenage girl's life, beginning at age fourteen and continuing until age nineteen. Being a teenage girl, I can relate to the text on the paper. It wasn't too long ago that I had to deal with first getting my period, the urges and pressure to have sex, looking in the mirror and hating what I see, and losing a parent. The writing is honest and it seems to fit most kids' day to day lives.

The second set of poems focus on the pressure that the media has put on women. It's about jealousy and fear and expectancy. It's been put into our heads at a young age that we have to look or act a certain way or else we won't be pretty or desirable. Francesca captures that feeling perfectly, and I've dealt with a lot of that growing up.

The third- and largest- section of the book is called "love poems for girls". Don't let that fool you. It's not romantic or blissful. Nor is it naive. These poems are real. They fill you up with a sense of strength; no matter what, you can carry on with life and be happy.

Overall, this book of collected poems piece together to create one big picture that is called life. It's real and raw and there's no way you can deny that you haven't felt one of the many emotions held within the pages of this book. This was a very quick read but I'll recommend it to all my girls out there.

If you have read it, reviewed it or plan on reading it in the future, please let me know. :)

Sunday, July 3, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi- or better known as- The Story Siren!

I'm going to be posting this a little early seeing as I'll be gone for most of
the day for some 4th of July festivities.
That being said...
Happy early Independence Day!
Don't get too close to those fireworks!

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Hi guys, I'm here to show you my RAK!
(It stands for Random Acts of Kindness....perverts... ;D)
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to send any out last month but I plan on doing so this month! If you go clicky on the picture above, it'll take you to the July RAK signup. Maybe then I'll be able to send you something from your wishlist! That being said, I did receive three books this month. WHAT? THREE? Yes! :)

Thank you so, so much, ladies! You're truly wonderful and it totally made my day when I got these in the mail. I hope to make others smile as much as you guys made me smile.

Seriously, if you haven't signed up for RAK, do it. It's great! I didn't think I'd even get one book and I've even gotten a book for July RAK already.
(2 days into July and I'm offered a book? I love these people!)

For Authors, Publishers, and PR

I am currently accepting products for review. I would love to schedule interviews, guest posts, giveaways and participate in blog tours. Please check my review policy to see what I'm most interested in reviewing or promoting. Feel free to email me at mcrs_venin@hotmail.com